Mumbai artist inducted on international panel

Mumbai: A city-based artist has been appointed as "Ethics Adviser and Ambassador" by the World Citizen Artists (WCA) to raise awareness about global issues through art. Prakash Bal Joshi, a former senior political journalist with a English daily here, has exhibited his art in Europe, USA, Turkey, Bhutan and other international art hubs. WCA is an artists' initiative by the artists’ community in Paris.

"The global community of artists was launched in Paris by highlighting plight of refugees around the world coinciding on the World Refugee Day," Joshi said. The United Nation's World Refugee Day is observed on June 20 every year to honour the courage, strength and determination of women, men and children who are forced to flee their homeland under threat of persecution, conflict and violence.

"The launch of WCA is a call for creative artists to join and support the aim of raising global awareness about contemporary issues through art," he said. In addition to highlighting global issues, WCA intends to democratise art through social media by providing a platform for emerging artists to get their message across art lovers along with established artists who wish to use their reputation to bring about positive change in the world.

Paris-based artist Valerie Won Lee is the founder member of the group along with other artists Lesa Weller of USA, Pablo Solari of Argentina, and Ger Costelo of Ireland.